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Welcome Prosecco DOC Rosé
First created with the 2019 harvest, Prosecco Rosé is establishing its own identity without the Pinot Noir in the blend, added to give color, compromising its characteristics.
Created first with the 2019, using the Charmat Method, and reaching the markets in 2020, Prosecco DOC Rosé is a brother to Prosecco DOC, the best-known (and most consumed) Italian wine in the world.
Given the staggering production numbers for Prosecco, some 400 million bottles of wines classified DOC, those from the plains, plus around 92 million from the hills, Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene, and “just” 17 million bottles of Prosecco Asolo (classified DOCG since 2009), was there really a need for a Prosecco DOC Rosé?
Before answering that question, it should be pointed out that, in the minds of the average wine drinker, Prosecco Rosé already existed. For years, all sparkling rosé, whether or not it was made using the Charmat or Traditional Method, suffered from an identity crisis and was lumped together and generically referred to as “Prosecco Rosé”. Thus there was, evidently, a need to protect this wine and name, as well as those of the others, by eliminating any doubts with established directives to regulate and certify its production.
And it was for this reason that, not without obstacles and disagreements between producers, the Consorzio di Tutela producers’ association adopted precise indications for the production of the Charmat Method sparkling wine. In short, in order to classify as a Prosecco Rosé, the wine must:
*Be produced in the nine provinces that have a DOC classification in the regions of Veneto (Treviso, Venice, Vicenza, Padua and Belluno) and Friuli Venezia Giulia (Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine).
* Obtain its effervescence using the Charmat Method, also known as Martinotti, and exist only as a sparkling wine.
*Be composed of 85 to 90% Glera and 10 to 15% Pinot Noir red wine.
*Spend at least 60 days in an autoclave (experiments are already underway to extend this period. This will be necessary to meet the winemaking need to stabilize the color, something which has not yet been established in the DOC regulations, and it will also effect the flavor giving the wine a greater roundness and texture).
*Be a vintage wine, thus have the year of the harvest on its label
*Have a pale, blush-pink color (similar to a Provence rosé).
The 2019 harvest produced some 15 million bottles, practically all of which has been sold or ordered, and the Consorzio expects to see a significant hike in production with the 2020 harvest, the wine from which will reach the market starting in January 2021.
What is this wine like? I have begun to taste a few and can finally confirm that Prosecco DOC Rosé has its own identity and the Pinot Noir contributes color without taking anything away from the Glera. The aroma and mouthfeel, in fact, recall Prosecco DOC in regard to immediacy and being easy to appreciate. The wine is intriguing and pleasing, never ordinary and, more than often, infinite… exactly as a Prosecco should.
Now let’s go back to our initial question of whether such a wine was really needed. Following the important changes made in 2009 (with Glera adopted as the principle grape used, making the word Prosecco the name of a wine from a specific location and the creation of a DOCG classification for the wine from the hills) I would venture to say yes, such a need existed. This on the condition that it always remain in the framework of working as a team, between producers and appellations, and serve to promote not just a wine but an entire territory, along with sparkling wine tradition and its importance, also in economic terms.
The following are the wines that I have tasted so far:
Prosecco Rosé 2019 Masottina
89/100 - € 11
A blend of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Noir. A pale, blush-pink color and continuous effervescence. The bouquet is both floral, with scents of violet, and fruity, with currant sensations, while in the mouthfeel alternate notes of raspberry powder and apricot with a final one of orange. The finish is pleasingly bitter. A pleasing drop that never tires.
Prosecco Rosé Il Fresco Brut 2019 Villa Sandi
89/100 - € 9
A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir. An antique and pale pink color with an intense and continuous effervescence. The aroma is sweet and fruity, with scents recalling mixed red berry and cherry jams with a hint of dried flowers. The mouthfeel is pleasing and relaxed, with one sip enticing another thanks to notes that are creamy and fresh at the same time with flavors consistent with the bouquet. The finish is precise and clean.
Prosecco Rosé Brut 2019 Bosco del Merlo
89/100 - € 10,5
A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir. A pale, salmon-pink color and a vertical and very fast effervescence. The sweet aroma has balanced notes of papaya and bladder cherry. The mouthfeel is equally as impressive transforming sensations of freshness and acidity into a juice of freshly squeezed pomegranate and currant, with some hints of passion fruit, one in which the acidity is counterbalanced by the sweetness. The creamy aftertaste seems to call out for something to be paired with.
Prosecco Rosé Oro Puro Brut 2019 Valdo Spumanti
87/100 - € 8,5
A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir. A very pale, onionskin-pink color with a continuous and persistent effervescence. The delicate aroma strongly recalls pear with its skin and also has sweet floral notes of jasmine and violet. The attack of the mouthfeel is somewhat bitter, fresh and saline and the very agile flavor has a citrusy and very pleasing aftertaste.
Prosecco Rosé Velére Extra Dry 2019 Astoria Vini
87/100 - € 8
A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir. A very tenuous pink color and quite orderly effervescence. The bouquet recalls rose water, with some hints of apricot and pear and a note of sweet almond milk. The mouthfeel is for the most part citrusy with some vivacious notes of ginger and pink grapefruit. Despite being sweeter. The wine finishes on a bitter note making it a pleasing drop.
